Characterization of a new tumor in NMRI-mice suitable for chemotherapeutic experiments

The tumor was found in the peritoneum of a 6-months old female NMRI-mouse. Histologically it can probably be classified as a less-differentiated reticulum-cell sarcoma (histiocytic sarcoma). Following ip. or sc. transplantation metastases were only in some cases found. After im. inoculation of tumor brei lungs, livers, kidneys, spleens and lymph nodes were free of metastases, as a bioassay revealed. The im. transplantation was the most suitable technique for chemotherapeutic experiments: It resulted in a 100% take rate and a relatively narrow and well reproducible death range; tumor size and life span of the animals could be used as therapeutic parameters. The tumor was highly sensible against the cytostatic drugs Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Vincristine. A moderate activity showed CCNU, Cis-DDP and Bleomycin, while DTIC and a novel Benzochinonguanylhydrazon-derivative only reversibly influenced the tumor growth and not the life time of the animals. Liposomally encapsulated Daunorubicin and Bleomycin had in general similar effectiveness as the drugs in its free form. Because of its high sensitivity against a lot of cytostatics with different mechanisms of action the tumor can be recommended for the screening of novel antineoplastic substances.